The seasonal depression has finally come to an end. Spring is the season of fresh starts and what better fresh start than a new TBR list? It's time to swap the gloomy, dark academia finally reads for something lighter- something more whimsical, something less depressing, something that feels like a breath of fresh air.
This is a list of my top favorite reads for spring.
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Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Tweet Cute by Emma Lord
Synopsis: Pepper and Jack are high schoolers who find themselves in an unexpected Twitter war between their family businesses—her parents’ massive burger chain and his family’s small deli. As their anonymous online feud goes viral, they unknowingly start falling for each other in real life, all while trying to figure out senior year.
My Thoughts: This book is adorable, filled with banter, fun Twitter exchanges, and just the right amount of slow-burn romance. The way their relationship unfolds—both online and offline—is just so fun to watch. It’s lighthearted yet meaningful, making it the perfect feel-good read. If sarcasm was a love language—they'd be fluent.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Spring is all about fresh starts, and Tweet Cute captures that energy perfectly. It’s warm, funny, and full of heart, like a sunny afternoon spent laughing with a friend. Plus, with all the baked goods and cozy vibes, it’s the literary equivalent of indulging in your favorite springtime treat.
Take the Quiz: Which Literary Fiction Should You Read Next?
Jump into the world of literary fiction with the one of these novels based on your existing favourites.
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
Synopsis: Desperate to stop the love of her life from marrying another, Evangeline Fox makes a deal with the enigmatic Prince of Hearts, Jacks. But bargains with Jack never come without a price, and Evangeline soon finds herself entangled in a world of cursed kisses, deadly secrets, and a fate that may not be hers to control.
My Thoughts: This book is pure magic. It feels like stepping into a fairytale—whimsical, romantic, and just a little dark around the edges. Jacks is the kind of morally gray love interest that keeps you hooked and makes you scream in the slow burn. It’s the kind of book that makes you believe in fate, curses, and love stories written in the stars.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Spring is all about renewal and the promise of something new, and that’s exactly what Once Upon a Broken Heart delivers. The lush, dreamlike settings and fairytale-like twists make it feel like stepping into a blooming, magical world—perfect for getting lost in on a breezy afternoon.
Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
Synopsis: Cath is starting college, but unlike her twin sister, she isn’t ready to let go of the comfort of home—or her fanfiction empire. Navigating new friendships, an intimidating creative writing class, and a sweet but persistent boy named Levi, Cath has to figure out how to balance fiction with real life.
My Thoughts: This book is like a warm hug. It’s relatable, and nostalgic, and captures that awkward, beautiful phase of growing up in the best way. Cath’s struggles with anxiety, change, and finding her place in the world feel incredibly real, and her love for fanfiction makes her an easy character to root for.
Also, Levi? The ultimate golden retriever boyfriend.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Fangirl embodies the spirit of growth and new beginnings, much like spring itself. It’s the perfect book to read when you want something cozy yet meaningful, a story that feels like stepping into a soft, sunlit morning full of endless possibilities.
The Selection by Kiera Cass
Synopsis: In a world where the prince chooses his future wife through a televised competition, 35 girls are given the chance of a lifetime. But for America Singer, being selected is anything but a dream—she’s already in love with someone else. As the competition progresses, she must decide between her past and an uncertain future.
My Thoughts: If you love drama, romance, and a little bit of dystopian intrigue, The Selection is the perfect binge-read. It’s fast-paced and addicting, and even though it has its fair share of clichés, it’s just so entertaining. America’s love triangle is frustrating in the best way, and the royal setting adds the perfect touch of escapism.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Spring is all about transformation, and America’s journey—from a reluctant participant to someone who starts questioning everything—fits that perfectly. The glittering ballgowns, palace intrigue, and budding romance make this feel like the literary equivalent of a springtime fairy tale.
Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez
Synopsis: Justin and Emma both believe they’re cursed—everyone they date finds their soulmate right after breaking up with them. So, naturally, they decide to date each other to break the curse. But what starts as a lighthearted experiment quickly turns into something much deeper.
My Thoughts: This book is equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. It’s a rom-com that doesn’t just focus on romance but also on healing, self-discovery, and taking chances. Justin and Emma’s chemistry is off the charts, and their story is filled with swoon-worthy moments, amazing dialogue, and just the right amount of angst.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Just for the Summer feels like sunshine in book form. It’s about second chances, unexpected love, and the kind of story that reminds you why romance is so fun to read. Plus, the summer vibes creeping in make it the perfect transition book between spring and the warmer days ahead.
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
Synopsis: In a world at war, two rival journalists, Iris and Roman, unknowingly connect through letters that mysteriously find their way to each other. As they pour their hearts out on paper, they begin to fall for the person on the other side—without knowing their true identities.
My Thoughts: This book is breathtakingly beautiful. It blends historical fantasy with romance in a unique way, and the slow-burn love story is a chef’s kiss. The letter-writing trope is executed perfectly, and the tension between Iris and Roman is just everything.
It’s emotional, poetic, and completely unputdownable. I've said it before and I'll say it again: this without a doubt is a high-quality book.
Why It’s a Spring Read: Divine Rivals feels like a love letter to hope, which makes it a perfect springtime read. It’s about finding light even in dark times, about words carrying more weight than we realize. With its stunning prose and slow-blooming romance, it’s the kind of book that lingers long after the final page.
Here are some other books that you're sure to enjoy and that fit spring perfectly.
- Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter
- The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
- Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
- The Wrath & the Dawn by Renée Ahdieh
- The Summer of Broken Rules by K.L. Walther
- By the Book by Jasmine Guillory
- The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri
- This Time It’s Real by Ann Liang
- A Curse So Dark and Lonely by Brigid Kemmerer
